C&D News

Starting the first of this year, Portland, Ore., began implementing changes in the processing and disposal of mixed dry waste, primarily construction and demolition debris, generated within the metropolitan area.

The program, called the Enhanced Dry Waste Recovery Program (EDWRP), was initially developed in 2007 in consultation with local governments, the solid waste industry and other stakeholders. The goal of the program is to increase the amount of recyclable materials recovered in the region.

EDWRP requires that all mixed dry waste generated in the metro region be delivered to a material recovery facility (MRF), ensuring that recyclable materials such as wood, cardboard and metal are first removed from mixed loads before disposal. This required step in processing is projected to raise the region’s recovery rate by 1.25 percent, surpassing the current 55.3 percent recovery rate for Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties. Oregon has set a regional recovery goal for 2009 of 64 percent.

For waste haulers, generators and construction groups operating within the Portland metropolitan area, EDWRP brings changes in disposal options on construction and demolition debris. Additional information on these changes is available from the regional government’s Web site at www.oregonmetro.gov.